Northwestern vs. Notre Dame for journalism?

Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism stands as the clear choice between these two institutions for pursuing journalism. While Notre Dame offers solid communication programs, Northwestern's journalism program consistently ranks among the top journalism schools in the nation and provides distinct advantages for aspiring journalists.

Northwestern's Medill School offers specialized journalism training with cutting-edge facilities, prestigious faculty members who are industry veterans, and extensive hands-on experience through its signature Journalism Residency program. Students gain real-world experience working in newsrooms across the country, developing professional connections and building their portfolios before graduation. The program's location near Chicago, the third-largest media market in the United States, creates unmatched internship and networking opportunities.

Notre Dame, while an excellent university overall, approaches journalism through its Department of American Studies and Department of Film, Television, and Theatre. Their program focuses more broadly on communications and media studies rather than specialized journalism training. While Notre Dame students can write for the student newspaper and gain practical experience, the program lacks the comprehensive journalism-specific curriculum and industry connections that Northwestern provides.

The career outcomes also favor Northwestern's program. Medill graduates frequently secure positions at top news organizations, with many landing jobs at prestigious outlets like The New York Times, Washington Post, and major broadcast networks. The Medill alumni network is particularly strong in journalism circles, providing valuable connections for internships and job placements. Northwestern's program also emphasizes digital journalism and emerging media technologies, preparing students for the evolving landscape of modern journalism.